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Whitewater

If you are visiting this page you are probably considering a start in one of the most exciting sports around, and you have come to the right place!

River Canoe Club has a wealth of knowledge for running whitewater rivers. We've been doing it since Paddy Pallin formed the club in 1935, initially in open canoes, today in plastic kayaks. Today we are paddling rivers all over NSW (and further) whenever the opportunity presents itself. Trips range from Grade 1-2 beginner trips to advanced rivers up to a Grade 4-5 standard.

Since the beginning of 2009 there have been trips in and around Sydney, up to the Barrington River near Gloucester, down around Canberra and the Snowy Mountains, up to North Queensland, back down again to Tasmania, and even further south to New Zealand! Plenty of places in between all those as well!

Paddling the Shoalhaven

You may think Australia is a pretty poor place to be a whitewater paddler, and in some respects you would be right, but with a bit of effort you can find yourself running magnificent rivers in some of the most isolated and beautiful places in the country, getting a bit of an adrenaline rush if you wish, and then camping and cooking under the stars with a great bunch of people from RCC.

Another way to get into whitewater paddling in our drought-ravaged country is to do a course at Penrith Whitewater Stadium. It is a great way to get some intensive training in small groups with a qualified instructor. A couple of our members are instructors there, ask if you can do your course with Andrew or Emma!

International River Grading

Rapids are straightforward with medium sized, regular waves. The path through the rapids can be clearly seen from the water and is often indicated by well-defined chutes of Vs of water. There are some obstacles that require maneuvering around, but paddlers with a good command of basic strokes can easily miss them.
(We start on these if you have some paddling experience)

Rapids have moderate, irregular waves and strong currents. Manoeuvring is required to follow the preferred route. Small to medium size stoppers may have to be negotiated. The route is difficult for inexperienced paddlers to see and scouting is advisable. Suitable for experienced Whitewater paddlers with the ability to roll an advantage.
(Penrith Whitewater Stadium is an example)

Rapids have large waves and powerful confused currents. Drops are big and stoppers can be large and unavoidable. Fast manoeuvres may need to be made. The route is not clear, and scouting may be needed. Suitable only for very experienced whitewater paddlers with consistent skills and reliable rolls.

Extremely long, obstructed or powerful rapids. Rapids may contain very large unavoidable drops, waves, and stoppers and turbulent, unpredictable currents. Fast and accurate manoeuvring is necessary. Eddies may be very small, turbulent and scarce. The route is complex and scouting is highly recommended.
Suitable only for expert paddlers, who are willing to accept the higher level of risk. Rolling in adverse conditions is essential. Swimming is very dangerous.

Rapids are extremely technically difficult, powerful and unpredictable. They are rarely paddled and if they are paddled successfully they are usually downgraded to Grade 5+. The river cannot be paddled without severe risk to life.